WTB - Challenge-priced Hatch or Wagon, OH, KY, IN (or SW MO) area

Been keeping my eyes on Craigslist, but also thought I'd check here - looking for a multipurpose car - need a parts hauler, winter beater, rallycrosser, and backup challenge car in case the Fireturd can't make it.

Does anyone within a 150 or so miles of Cincy, OH have a small to mid-sized FWD or AWD hatch or wagon for sale at a challenge price? Preferably manual transmission, better than 20 MPG, and has to be in good working order, and solid enough to safely drive on the street and rallycross. I don't care if the A/C is dead, if the paint is ugly, just needs to run good, and not be leaking every vital fluid. Would also prefer no FWD GM, my Corsica was enough.

Might consider another body style, if you've got a real good deal. I'll continue looking on Craigslist, (and local forums), but thought I'd see if anyone could help a fellow GRM'r out.

Oh yeah, I may be traveling to Springfield, MO in the next month, so if ayone's got something out that way, too, please let me know.

my '96 probe GT will be available late May. I still need it for the next several weeks as i do some work on wifey's minivan and my mazda6, then it becomes redundant. it was my '06 challenger at 180k miles, currently has 226k on it and still runs great. KL-DE 2.5L 24V DOHC V6, one of mazda's best efforts IMO. Sings a sexy song up to about 7500 rpm, and is very willing to go into the red part of the tach daily.

the PGT is in the garage right now awaiting new front struts and springs. only changes from stock / stock replacement are a K&N filter and Hawk HPS pads. I'm the second owner, bought it from a good friend, and have every piece of paperwork on it back to the window sticker.

Canton MI, about 4 hours north of Cinci.

The recipe to win starts right here for $1k because it already possess the magical 3rd pedal.
http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/2302197801.html
I know nothing, just something I found and crave.

Spend the rest of your challenge budget on one of these and mix/match parts.
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/2294707321.html
http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/2300542478.html

In reply to jrw1621:

Never seen a 4 speed wagon that is cool

You could become one of those people...

$1k fwd impreza sedan 5spd

$600 awd auto impreza wagon

If that $600 Impreza wasn't an auto it would be mine.

PubBurgers wrote: If that $600 Impreza wasn't an auto it would be mine.

I hear you. Funny, when it first was listed (4/1) it was only $550....

Angry, we'll see how my search goes. I'm hoping to have something sooner, but if not, and if you've still got it, I'll have to check with you. Is the underside of that thing anywhere near as clean as the rest of it?

jrw - If I wanted a project, I'd be so there with that Fairmont, my parents had a Red 1979 Fairmont wagon with a 4 speed when I was a kid. Loved that car. But, any time spent working on something other than the challenge car is not good.

cghstang - Been keeping my eyes on the FWD Impreza. If it was a wagon, I'dve gone to check it out. It is a backup possibility, since it'd be funny to show up at a rallycross and run a Subie in SF class

EDIT: This is probably a long shot - but I'd really like an 86-89 Integra 3-door in good condition.

eastsidemav wrote: Angry, we'll see how my search goes. I'm hoping to have something sooner, but if not, and if you've still got it, I'll have to check with you. Is the underside of that thing anywhere near as clean as the rest of it?

Not exactly a bait and switch, but that pic was taken the day before I left for the '06 challenge, so it had just had the paint clayed and wheeled out, trim touched up, windows polished and Rain-X'd, etc. It will need to have those things done again before it looks that good. But I'd say 90 - 95% of that result could be achieved again, in a weekend or less. It hasn't weathered too badly.

Some rust-thru in the upper corners of the rad support, and a couple other spots in the front inner fenders forward of the suspension attachments, but nothing that compromises the structure of the car.

As the time draws nearer, I'll shoot you some detailed pix if you are still in the market.

Hey i've got a 1984 Scirocco listed for sale up here. I'm in Huntsville but willing to drive to meet you. Let me know!

In reply to Vwnurd:

Sorry vwnurd, but I'm looking for something more street oriented. Looks like a neat track rat, though.

Anyone else got something nearby? So far I've tested a 97 Civic owned by an Ohioan with Kentucky plates, and a signed Indiana title, so a little shady. And an Integra that the guy double booked a test drive with and tried to get me into a bidding war. Looking at ads, it seems $1000 cars are now $2000 cars, and scrap heaps are now $1000 cars.

I know nothing but looks interesting...
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/2302381335.html
One week ago he needed it sold right way??

In reply to jrw1621:

Thanks - emailed the guy. Hopefully he's still got it, and it's not too rusty to drive. Had to reweld the pan hard mount on one of my crx's in the past after a particularly rough rallyx.

EDIT: just got some more pics of it - looks like rust through on the rockers. The underside is likely a mess

http://lexington.craigslist.org/cto/2283421923.html
Three week old ad with no pictures in Kentucky by way of New Mexico?

North Carolina likely means less rust but much farther away.
http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/cto/2236421414.html

I had a buddy who owned a black '89 Integra LS, what a great car!

racinginc215 wrote: Angry I could be interested in that if he passes.

[threadjack] the probe's now got new front struts and springs, nothing fancy, just Gabriel OE replacements. it's also got a reman right rear caliper and resurfaced rear rotors. it's also got a CEL for P1402, EGR somthing or other. replacement EGR valve is $250 from rockauto. perhaps I'll try to clean it. or not, because it still runs just fine and gets 25 mpg in mixed use. [/threadjack]

Here ya go! a little further of a drive but an AWD wagon on the cheap and its a looker too.

http://rockford.craigslist.org/cto/2313604045.html

and if your feeling like a project is in order I have a motor slated for it....

http://rockford.craigslist.org/pts/2313618908.html

of course i'm open to all reasonable offers and a package deal can sweeten the price. Come pick it up with a V8 in the trunk and drive her home.

Just got back from making a deal on a car. I should have it by Friday if all goes well. Will post on the regular forum once I have it in the driveway.